Sawtelle Boulevard: L.A.'s "Little Osaka"

11301 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (map)

This clubby spot is where to find Japanese, Korean and Californian flavors mingling. Think classic nigiri options as well as more creative bites like tempura-dipped salmon-tuna-avocado-egg-asparagus rolls.

11301 W Olympic Blvd Ste 102, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (map)

Behind its gold-tinged concrete facade, this mini-mall eatery is where Westside sushiphiles head for inventive seafood-centric creations. Mango wrapped in house-smoked salmon, anyone?

2004 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

A little bit of jazz and a whole lot of fresh Japanese eats are what keep people coming back for more. Expect hard-to-find--and difficult to translate--seasonal fish specials like mebaru, tachiuo, okoze and skuradai.

1803 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

This gorgeous little indoor/outdoor hideaway is where famed chef Toshi Sugiura serves up sushi and small plate favorites like grilled yellowtail collar, organic beef tartare with quail egg. There's also macrobiotic combinations on the menu. Gwyneth, are you listening?

2040 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Although the American pronunciation would easily make sense for this somewhat hidden sushi joint, Hide (as in hee-day) is a no-fuss, no-muss favorite in this 'hood. There are no specialties, no desserts and no hostess, just lotsa raw fish.

2130 Sawtelle Blvd Ste 101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

This alcohol-free karaoke club inside the Sawtelle Place strip mall offers private rooms for up to 15 people with access to English and Japanese systems featuring more than 40,000 songs. Sort of like singing in your shower, minus the water.

1935 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Passed down in the Hashimoto family since before Sawtelle's development, this spectacular one-acre nursery supplies everything from bonsai to bouganvilliea (and the occasional celeb-spotting).

2001 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

One of the few remaining nurseries on what was originally a strip dedicated entirely to them, this botanical corner is perched in close proximity to popular competitor Hashimoto Nursery. Nothing like a little friendly rivalry, eh kids?

2064 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Don't be blue, go bleu: This karaoke bar on "Noodle Row" attracts a mixed crowd to sing or watch others take on classic rock and Japanese hits. Just be forewarned--here you gotta pay to play.

2111 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Considered one of the original boba spots on the West Coast, this clean and inviting cafe has become synonymous with the popular Thai iced tea drink. Added bonus--free WiFi.

2130 Sawtelle Blvd Ste 110, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Tucked inside the Sawtelle Place strip mall, this is the only place in the area to get freshly squirted homemade cream custard into your puff shell. (Hey, hey, this is G-rated stuff. We're talking food here.)

2012 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Another perfect spot for boba heads. This place also has over 170 drinks including flavored teas, milk teas, coffee, blended beverages, smoothies and juices. There's also a few snacks and light meals that can be enjoyed inside or on the outdoor hedge-lined patio.

2050 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Reminiscent of a high-end high school cafeteria or tiny commissary, this quirky spot was opened by the same duo behind the neighboring Giant Robot store and GR2 gallery. 'Nuff said.

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

This cottage-like kitchen offers Italian and American cuisine with a Japanese flair. You know, stuff like fried red snapper with citrus-soy dressing, and crispy skin-on grilled half chicken.

2006 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Hands down the coolest (and possibly most delicious spot) on the block, this chic little izakaya eatery interprets internationally inspired small plates like albacore lettuce cups, curry infused shrimp tempura and shrimp mousse-stuffed ravioli in shiitake mushroom sauce.

2025 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Named after a small bomb that packs a lot of damage, this sneaker pimp packs quite a punch with a collection of men's and women's shoes not found at every other shop.

2130 Sawtelle Blvd Ste 111, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Don't come here for the fashion, come here for the freak show: Loud dance music blares, fuschia and pink bounce off the walls and effervescently patterned fashions furnish every inch of shelf space. Yes, folks, this is where young Japanese women come to dress up like real-life Barbie dolls.

2008 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

This girlie-girl boutique--located right next to haute eatery Orris--features styles from Tokyo, denim, shoes, accessories and handbags. Lines include 2BFree, True Religion, Hudson, Junkfood and others.

2062 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Another link the in the Giant Robot chain, this sister store offers more adult fare than its original comic-book-themed mothership with fine art, accent furniture and art books.

2130 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Ever wonder what it would be like to go grocery shopping in the middle of Tokyo? Well, unless you're catching a 12-hour flight across the Pacific, the closest thing you're going to get to the experience is heading into this authentic supermarket specializing in imported organic and Japanese foods.

2015 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

In the beginning, Giant Robot created a hand-published magazine. And Giant Robot saw that it was good. And Giant Robot then created a store, and filled it with tons of Japanese imports like T-shirts, books, comic books, toys and other colorful things. And it too was good. (And still is.)

2023 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

With a prime spot next door to its sister shop--local cult fave and sneaker emporium BLU 82--Angelenos in the know can't get enough of this arty West L.A. clothing store for chic streetwear.

2029 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Far from trendy, this unassuming spot plays host to a plethora of Japanese treasures that run the gamut from bowl sets and cookware to silk kimonos, knives and Japanese flip-flops.

2002 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Get drunk on ramen at this bar where noodles perpetually steam in a large vat, ready to serve a mix of working artists and others who appreciate the cheap prices. When possible, organic veggies are mixed with pork and chicken to create ramen, pan-fried noodles and rice bowls.